Senate Passes Schmitt Resolution Recognizing the Missouri Tiger’s Claim as the 1960 College Football National Champions

U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) took to the Senate floor to pass his Resolution recognizing the Missouri Tigers claim as the 1960 College Football National Champions. Missouri finished the season 11-0 after the result of its game against Kansas was reversed because Kansas used an ineligible player. The Tigers defeated Nebraska, Penn State, and Oklahoma before capping off their undefeated season with an Orange Bowl victory over Navy. Senator Schmitt honored the perseverance, integrity, and determination that defined Coach Dan Devine and his players throughout their historic season. The Senate unanimously passed Schmitt’s resolution. Watch the Senator’s full speech HERE. Excerpt of remarks as prepared for delivery: “Mr. President, I rise today to honor one of the greatest teams ever to wear the Black and Gold: the 1960 Missouri Tigers. They finished 11-and-0. They conquered the Big Eight. They defeated the Navy Midshipmen, 21 to 14, in the Orange Bowl down in Florida. But their greatness cannot be measured by the record alone. Their story is about something deeper: perseverance after humiliation, accountability in the face of injustice, and the integrity of men who kept their word. “But Devine looked at the younger men and made a promise. Two years from that day, Missouri would return to Norman. And Missouri would win. But a promise had been made by Coach Devine. So, for two years, the Tigers went to work. “The Big Eight ordered Kansas to forfeit the victory and stripped the Jayhawks of the conference championship. Kansas could keep the memory of the final whistle. Missouri kept the title. Missouri finished 11-and-0. Reminding the conference and the American populace that cheaters never truly win. “Mr. President, every generation needs examples of men who stick to their word. Dan Devine made a promise in the ashes of defeat. His players believed him. Then they spent two years earning the right to fulfill it. “More than six decades later, the 1960 Tigers still embody the character of Missouri. We are a people who work. We are a people who endure. We are a people who keep our promises. “Today, I am proud to honor Coach Dan Devine, Norris Stevenson, and every member of the undefeated 1960 Missouri Tigers. Their promise was kept. Their championship was earned. Their record remains perfect. And Kansas still lost.” ###